What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extracting
Example
The chemist is extracting the active ingredient from the plant. [extracting: present participle]
Example
The machine is used for extracting oil from olives. [extracting: gerund]
harvesting
Example
The farmers are harvesting the wheat fields. [harvesting: present participle]
Example
The company is harvesting data from customer surveys. [harvesting: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harvesting is more commonly used than extracting in everyday language, especially in the context of agriculture or natural resource management. Extracting is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between extracting and harvesting?
Extracting is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while harvesting can be used in both formal and informal contexts.